Asm. Will Sampson

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-5086) changes penalties for underage gambling in New Jersey from criminal offenses to civil fines. It applies directly to: (1) minors who gamble at casinos/simulcasting facilities (under age 21), (2) casino employees/licensees who allow underage gambling, and (3) adults who permit minors under their care to gamble. The key provisions set fines at up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for third or subsequent offenses. All collected fines will fund gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment programs through the Department of Human Services, specifically supporting initiatives like those run by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's fire safety requirements for residential properties. It eliminates the requirement for portable fire extinguishers in certain structures while mandating smoke-sensitive alarm devices on each level of residential buildings and outside sleeping areas. The bill also establishes new licensing requirements for fire inspectors, including educational programs, prerequisite criteria, and state exams. Additionally, it clarifies that new property owners must obtain a certificate showing no outstanding fire safety violations and are liable for any unpaid fees or penalties. The bill also updates procedures for serving notices and collecting penalties related to fire safety violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who left school due to military service, including active duty in the Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserve. Schools must reinstate these students with the same academic standing they held before their service interruption and grant readmission for the next available semester upon written request. The bill prohibits institutions from charging application or other fees for these readmission requests. It takes effect immediately, applying to the first full academic year after enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 3179 requires sports/entertainment facilities (over 5,000 seats), movie theaters (over 1,000 seats), and places of worship (now over 300 seats, down from 500) to submit annual electronic emergency plans to local law enforcement. The plans must include specific "emergency mapping data" like digital floor plans, aerial images, hazard locations, and access routes, formatted for public safety software systems. This replaces current requirements to submit paper copies of building layouts and explicitly excludes these plans from public record laws. The bill aims to improve law enforcement preparedness for mass casualty incidents at these venues by standardizing accessible emergency information.

Maddy summarySJR 76 designates the second Friday in December each year as "PSRPs in Our Schools Day" in New Jersey to recognize paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs). This resolution honors PSRPs, including instructional aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodial staff, who support students through tutoring, classroom assistance, meal preparation, facility maintenance, and student transportation. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but calls for the Governor, Legislature, and citizens to observe and acknowledge these staff members' contributions. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey telecom, cable, and internet providers to let customers pause or cancel service contracts without early termination fees when they move into a qualifying long-term care facility. It directly affects residents admitted to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, dementia care homes, or residential health care facilities for at least 90 days, as verified by a physician’s order or care plan. Providers must pause billing for a minimum 90 days upon admission, then cancel the contract if the resident remains in the facility beyond that period. The law mandates no fees for this pause/cancellation, though customers must provide physician documentation and typically give 45 days’ notice (or 48 hours in urgent cases).

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $60 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues - funds voters approved in 2014 for open space and conservation - to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The funds will directly support state park, forest, and historic site development projects under the Preserve New Jersey Act, including repairs to bridges, buildings, and recreational facilities, as well as habitat improvements and camping access. Specific allocations cover projects like $10 million for health/safety upgrades, $13.5 million for recreational development, and $7 million for historic structure repairs. The funding comes from existing CBT revenue streams, not new taxes, and requires no additional legislative approval for DEP project spending.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A4754 prohibits businesses from selling, manufacturing, distributing, or offering for sale personal flotation devices (PFDs) like lifejackets, water wings, or puddle jumpers that are not approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The bill directly affects retailers and manufacturers operating in New Jersey, specifically targeting PFDs designed for children under 12 years old. Violators face escalating civil penalties: $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for third or subsequent offenses, enforced by the Division of Consumer Affairs. The law aims to ensure consumers can purchase Coast Guard-approved PFDs, reducing risks associated with unapproved devices that may deflate or slip off, as highlighted by drowning statistics.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires inflatable ride manufacturers to provide detailed operation manuals and include ground anchors with each ride. Every inflatable ride must display a data plate listing the manufacturer, date, serial number, rider capacity, and inflation specifications. Operators must inspect anchors and tie-downs before use, evacuate riders during hazardous weather (like thunderstorms or high winds), and re-inspect the ride after weather events. These requirements codify existing safety rules under New Jersey's Carnival-Amusement Rides Safety Act to ensure consistent enforcement by the Department of Community Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents telecommunications, utility, and cable companies from charging customers' credit cards or bank accounts before the standard billing due date for service, unless the customer has given written consent. It specifically applies to automatic billing for services like phone, electricity, gas, and cable. Companies may still charge early if a customer requests it by phone or through a method approved by the Board of Public Utilities. The Board of Public Utilities will enforce this rule to ensure companies comply with the new billing requirements.